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Operation Round Up FAQs

What is Operation Round Up?

Operation Round Up is a program originally developed in 1989 by Palmetto Electric in Hilton Head Island, SC. The idea was to round electric bills up to the next highest dollar and use the funds collected for charitable purposes. For example, if your electric bill is $127.50, your bill would be rounded up to the next highest dollar and you would pay $128.00. The extra fifty cents would then be placed in a fund and distributed for charitable purposes.

How can I participate in Operation Round Up?

In order to participate in Operation Round Up, you probably don't have to do anything! Your bill may already be enrolled in Operation Round Up! If it is typically "rounded up" to even numbers--$68 instead of $67.44, for example, then, you are already enrolled.

Dakota Valley members may enroll or withdraw from the program at any time.

If you aren't currently participating and would like to be a part of this worthwhile program, or if you wish to withdraw from the program, just give us a call at (800) 342-4671 or send a note.

How do you apply for Operation Round Up funds?

Applications are available at all DVEC offices for individuals or organizations in need. The correct form must be completed and forwarded to the cooperative.

The forms are available on this website, just go to the Customers Services tab, and click on "Forms and Applications."

How much am I contributing every month?

Donations will range for 1 cent to 99 cents per month. Each month the donation will vary, depending on the amount of your electric bill. There will be a separate line on your electric bill indicating the amount donated to the Operation Round Up fund in that particular month.

Are Operation Round Up donations limited to cooperative members?

No. Donations may be made to anyone or any organization within the outer boundaries of the Dakota Valley Electric service area.

What types of donations are made with Operation Round Up funds?

According to the bylaws, the Operation Round Up Board is allowed to make donations to any worthy charitable cause, with the exception that no Operation Round Up funds can be used for religious or political purposes.

Are Operation Round Up donations tax exempt?

Operation Round Up donations are tax exempt, and Dakota Valley Electric will notify each participating member at the end of the year of their total annual contribution.

What is the average annual contribution of a customer to Operation Round Up?

The average contribution is six dollars ($6) per year but donations can range anywhere from 12 cents to $11.88 per year.

Who decides who receives the funds?

An Operation Round Up board of directors will distribute the funds. Each DVEC board member has appointed an Operation Round Up board member from the same geographic area that the cooperative board member represents.

Are all Operation Round Up board members also members of the cooperative?

Yes, Operation Round Up bylaws state that board members must also be members of Dakota Valley Electric Cooperative.

How often will the board meet?

The board must meet at least twice a year, but may meet more often if they find it necessary.

How much is contributed to the fund thus far?

Since the Operation Round Up program was launched at Dakota Valley in 2002, a total of $152,894 has been awarded to 316 worthy causes.

Will we be able to find out where the money goes?

Yes, one of the functions of the Operation Round Up board is to make a presentation at the annual meeting. Also, we will publish the disbursements in the center pages of our magazine.

A complete listing of Operation Round Up recipients and the amounts granted is available on this web site. Just go to the "Powering Your Community" tab, then select "Operation Round Up" and "Operation Round Up Recipients."

Is there a limit to how much any individual or organization can receive?

Yes, $2,500 has been set as the maximum amount awarded to any one individual or organization.

Does DVEC benefit from Operation Round Up?

Dakota Valley Electric Cooperative does not receive monetary or in-kind reimbursements from the Operation Round Up trust.

All "rounded up" funds flow directly in the Operation Round Up trust and are overseen by the Operation Round Up board.

Dakota Valley Electric personnel help administer the program as a complimentary service to the organization.

Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives is a national network of electric cooperatives across 46 states that provides resources and leverages partnerships to help member cooperatives and their employees better engage and serve their members. By working together, Touchstone Energy cooperatives stand as a source of power and information to their 32 million member-owners every day.